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2019 Kia K900 Road Test and Review

Kia is known for its large lineup of affordable and fuel-efficient small cars and SUVs, but the Korean automaker is quickly moving into the business of bigger, more expensive rides. The newly redesigned 2019 Kia K900 is the brand's largest and highest-priced vehicle ever, and later this year Kia will continue its size assault when it introduces the eight-passenger 2020 Kia Telluride, its largest SUV to date.

A full-size flagship luxury sedan with a starting price just over $60,000, the new K900 comes on the heels of the hot Kia Stinger performance sedan, which was introduced just last year and quickly became a favorite of the automotive press. The 2019 K900 is powered by the same twin-turbocharged V6 as the Stinger GT, and it’s packing standard all-wheel drive. It competes with the Cadillac CT6 and Genesis G90 as well as the more expensive Lexus LS 500, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S Class, and Audi A8.

Costs Less Than the Competition

This is the second generation of the K900. Kia first introduced the model to America in 2014 and it hasn’t exactly been a hot seller. Americans have only purchased about 5,000 K900s in the last five years.

To improve the K900’s appeal, Kia has completely redesigned and reimagined the sedan, making it more attractive, more powerful, and better-equipped than before. It’s also priced aggressively, undercutting the starting prices of its rear-wheel drive rivals significantly while offering standard all-wheel drive. With a base price of $60,895, including a $995 destination fee, the 2019 Kia K900 is nearly $10,000 less than a Genesis G90, about $16,000 less than a Lexus LS 500, and over $30,000 less than a Mercedes S 450. Only the Cadillac CT6 costs less in this class: A rear-wheel drive CT6 powered by a four-cylinder engine costs about $51,500.

Just One Trim Level

Unlike most cars in this class, the 2019 Kia K900 is offered in just one trim level: the K900 Luxury. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps, a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, a 17-speaker sound system, power-adjustable Nappa leather seats, heated front and rear seats, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a long list of active safety systems that include blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Our test vehicle was also loaded up with the $4,000 VIP Package, which is essentially the only option on the K900. It adds a configurable digital gauge cluster, tri-zone climate controls, a suede headliner, ventilated and power-adjustable rear seats, and a few other interior features. The total price was $64,895.

Seriously Quick and Powerful

Kia has the same parent company as Genesis, and the K900’s refined twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 is also used in that brand’s premium sedans. It isn’t the most powerful engine in this class, but its 365 horsepower is on par with the Mercedes S 450 and considerably more than you get in a BMW 740i. The Kia’s 0-60 time of about 5.3 seconds is also as quick as its more expensive German rivals. Only the Lexus LS 500 offers considerably more standard horsepower and acceleration than the Kia, with 416 hp and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds.

Power and acceleration are never a problem in the K900. The V6 makes plenty of torque, comes on strong around 3000 rpm, and revs quickly to its 6500 rpm redline. Part throttle is enough to leave traffic in the Kia’s dust. Floor it and the big sedan squats on its softly sprung suspension and builds speed like a muscle car.

Refined But Responsive

One the road, the 2019 Kia K900 feels solid and substantial. This is a big, heavy car, but it’s responsive and strikes an enjoyable balance between luxury, comfort, and performance. The K900 is not exactly a sports sedan, but its handling will impress most drivers and its precise steering has enough feel to satisfy. This Kia also rides well without floating like a barge. Body control is excellent, and it leans little in hard corners.

Assembled in South Korea, the K900 includes a system that allows the driver to choose among four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Custom. In and around Los Angeles, our 2019 K900 test vehicle was smooth, comfortable, and quiet, but also powerful and fun to drive, especially in Sport mode, which stiffens its suspension, increases the weight of its steering, quickens its throttle response, and dials up the performance of its eight-speed automatic transmission. It also tightens the bolsters of the driver’s seat in anticipation of spirited driving and tunes the Kia’s all-wheel drive system for sportier handling.

Comfortable, Modern, and Upscale Interior

Longer, lower, and wider than before, the 2019 Kia K900 shares its chassis with the Genesis G80 and G90, while its 201.6-inch length and 122.2-inch wheelbase fall between their dimensions. The K900 is attractive, with a hunkered-down stance and clean lines, but its design could take more chances. It’s well-proportioned with short overhangs, and there’s some cool detailing, including the chicane in the top of the windshield. Unfortunately, the satin chrome trim at the base of its doors and kink in its C-pillar seem like they were lifted from the BMW 7 Series. Its AWD fender badges are just cheesy.

Visibility is excellent from the Kia’s height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel should allow drivers of any height to get comfortable. There are also large, clear gauges, paddle shifters, and oversized softly padded seats, which are incredibly comfortable. The seat heaters are powerful enough to roast your chestnuts. Build quality is exceptional, and the Kia’s interior feels modern and upscale. There’s wood trim everywhere, even on the steering wheel, and all the controls function with precision.

Simple-to-Use Tech

The K900's infotainment system features beautiful graphics, simple menus, and a massive touchscreen. The system’s functions can also be controlled with a large knurled knob on the console, but the duplicity is unnecessary and the knob takes up valuable real estate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, though onboard Wi-Fi is not available. Our only other ergonomic gripe is the placement of the Kia’s push-button parking brake, which is to the left of the steering wheel instead of on the console behind the shifter.

Notable tech features include a programmable head-up display that projects information on the windshield ahead of the driver including instructions from the navigation system. We were also impressed by the Kia’s standard Surround View Monitor, which gives you a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the sedan and its surroundings, and its slick blind-spot view monitor that uses cameras in each side mirror to show you what’s in the next lane every time you use your turn signal.

Family-Friendly Space and Safety

A game of touch football, a Sweet Sixteen party, an insurance seminar, a spinning class. There’s enough room in the Kia’s massive rear seat for any of these things. OK, I’m kidding, but five full-size adults do fit comfortably, and there’s enough legroom back there for LeBron and his two favorite teammates. Interior storage space is also family-friendly, with two large console bins, big door and seatback pockets, and well-placed and sizable cupholders.

Although the 2019 Kia K900 has yet to be crash tested and rated by the U.S. government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the IIHS has tested the Genesis G80 and G90 and have awarded them the highest possible ratings of Top Safety Pick+. Since the K900 shares its chassis, safety technology, and other components with those sedans, we expect similar performance from the Kia.

Small Trunk and Middling Fuel Economy for Its Class

With 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, the trunk of the 2019 Kia K900 is large by most standards but small for a full-size luxury sedan. Most of the K900’s competitors, except for the Cadillac CT6 and the Genesis G90, offer considerably more cargo space than the Kia. A power trunk lid is standard and there’s a pass-through to the rear seat for long items like skis, but you can't fold the seat down.

Although admirable considering the sedan’s size, heft, and performance, the K900's fuel economy is also far from class leading. The EPA estimates it will achieve 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and I averaged 21 mpg in mixed driving, always using the smooth start/stop feature, which shuts off its engine at idle to save fuel. Of the Kia’s all-wheel drive competitors, the BMW 740i xDrive leads the pack with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Final Thoughts

Overall we’re very impressed by the redesigned K900. This is a pleasurable car to drive, with extreme levels of comfort, refinement, and features. Kia has managed to pack the K900 with technology without making it complicated, and its interior is beautifully built and appointed.

Kia has also made the K900 much more fun to drive. Unlike the first generation of the K900, which could put you to sleep, this new version is engaging and performs well when you want it to, with athletic handling and big power from its smooth twin-turbo V6. Another standout is its eight-speed automatic, which is responsive even in Comfort mode. If you’re looking for a full-size luxury sedan, the 2019 Kia K900 is a very desirable choice.